U.P. state troopers mobilized to Lansing in anticipation of right-to-work protests

Anticipating large protests as right-to-work legislation moves toward passage, Michigan State Police have been mobilized to Lansing. That mobilization will include dozens of Michigan State Police from across the Upper Peninsula, according to unofficial estimates. A spokesperson at District 8 Headquarters in Marquette, which o...

That mobilization will include dozens of Michigan State Police from across the Upper Peninsula, according to unofficial estimates. A spokesperson at District 8 Headquarters in Marquette, which oversees the U.P. posts, said she was not allowed to release any information on this subject and referred all questions to the MSP Public Affairs.

Public Affairs representatives had not returned calls from The Evening News before deadline.

A press release from MSP Public Affairs said the there is a "likelihood of large amounts of visitors at the Capitol on Monday and Tuesday," and as a result Michigan State Police would be strictly enforcing procedures for the use of the Michigan State Capitol.

"All of the measures we are taking at the Capitol are to ensure the safety of those working and conducting business in the Capitol and the surrounding state buildings," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the Michigan State Police in a press release. "Our responsibility includes safeguarding the Constitutional rights of those attempting to petition their legislators, and enforcing these rules allows us to provide a safe forum for everyone."

The press release further provides a long list of rules that will be enforced in the next few days, including that protesters may not interfere with any legislative session or the work of government agencies.

Other regulations that will be enforced prohibit the use of signs and sound amplifying equipment.

It is believed that other MSP districts throughout the state are also sending reinforcements as part of the mobilization.

Authorities have also announced the closure of certain roadways to both vehicular and foot traffic for today and Tuesday which MSP will presumably be there to enforce as well.

The right-to-work vote is scheduled to be held on Tuesday.

It is unknown if the mobilized troopers will return to their posts immediately following the Tuesday vote or if they will remain down in Lansing for an extended period of time.